Scottish comic jumps from cyberspace into TV

GLASGOW, Scotland (Reuters Life!) - If you can design a swearing internet xylophone you may end up with your own BBC comedy show one day -- just ask Brian "Limmy" Limond.

Billed variously as "Scotland's most exciting new comedy talent," "internet sensation" and "evil genius," the Glasgow comic on Monday launches his first BBC TV series after rising to fame online with a string of videos, podcasts and pranks.

"I never made my website to try and get anywhere, it was just a laugh," Limond told Reuters in an interview this week.

The journey from his own computer monitor to national television screens is a departure for a man who has not shied away from controversy, and recently posted a new tool on his website offering a unique response to networking site Facebook.

"With the internet I just love how anything goes, especially in the light of this whole Sachsgate," he said, referring to the outcry that followed prank calls by BBC star Jonathan Ross and comedian Russell Brand to "Fawlty Towers" actor Andrew Sachs.

"People are so quick to get offended. I start to feel like it won't be long before they start (censoring) the internet."

"But I accept there are certain things you can't get away with on television," Limond said, looking ahead to the six part sketch show that will air as "Limmy's Show" on BBC 2 Scotland.

After creating a website with animated shorts during the dotcom boom, Limond's expletive-ridden xylophone was spotted by a British magazine, soon followed by one of the video clips he first made as "a stupid wee idea" to entertain his girlfriend.
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